The importance of thermoelectrics has increased in recent years. Energy saving is required to approach the carbon neutral/zero emission goals for the environment, and thermoelectrics is an area that can play a critical role in achieving those goals.
To discuss this important topic, experts and researchers from around the world gathered in Sendai. “ICT/ACT2025” is the name of the conference, held at Sendai International Center from June 15 to 192025. Initially, it was planned for 2022; however, it was unfortunately postponed due to the pandemic. This conference is held in the Asian region once every three years. In 2025, three years later than originally planned, the conference finally came to Sendai without being skipped. About 700 participants attended, including more than 400 international attendees.
Two key persons brought this conference to Japan, and Sendai: Prof. Takao Mori of the Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) of NIMS in Tsukuba, and Prof. Yuzuru Miyazaki of Tohoku University in Sendai, who served as chairmen throughout this conference. We had the opportunity to interview Professor Mori and ask him about his impressions o
f Sendai as the destination of the conference.
Prof. Mori graciously made time to accept this interview on the last day of the conference.
Prof. Mori is familiar with Sendai because he stayed here for about a week every month in 2008, to work as a Visiting Professor at Tohoku University. “At that time, I had a very good impression of Sendai, being rich in nature and possessing a unique food culture. Sendai is one of my favorite cities,” he continued, “Also whenever I participated in a conference held in Sendai, I experienced its hospitality and easy accessibility.”
He said that Sendai Convention Bureau also had an important role in attracting ICT/ACT to Sendai. “The bureau staff were really passionate and supportive to have this conference in Sendai. They connected us to JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization). We also appreciated the subsidy system offered by bureau.”
Professor Mori was appointed as “MICE Ambassador” by JNTO in 2019, with the recommendation of Sendai Convention Bureau.
Sendai’s most famous cuisine “gyutan” (grilled beef tongue) is a must-try for meat eaters!
This meeting was held in-person after the pandemic. Prof. Mori mentioned the advantages of an in-person meeting. “We realized how important in-person meetings are. The audience can communicate with each other and build much deeper relationships than in an online meeting. Presentations are more vibrant in live sessions; that’s a different aspect from online meetings, where there is a risk of information being leaked or copied anonymously.”
During the meeting, participants could join an excursion and cultural experiences.
More than 500 people enjoyed the excursion to Matsushima. With the support of GOZAIN, a volunteer English tour guide group based in Sendai city and the Matsushima Goodwill Guide club, guests visited Zuigan-ji Temple and Entsuin Temple. They finished with dinner on a sunset cruise, which was the highlight of the day.
The volunteer guide explained about history and culture at Entsuin Temple.
The cruise company staff saw off the guests.
Cultural experiences included wearing Kimono at the tatami-mat room inside Ryokusaikan Visitor Center, Origami paper folding and sustainable handmade chopsticks workshop inside Sendai International Center. Especially the handmade chopsticks workshop attracted many participants, so there was a long line for a while. These events were created based on the organizers’ passionate feeling, ‘To make this meeting enjoyable’. Sendai Convention Bureau also provided support to make it come true.
Prof. Mori said “Every participant could join the excursion. This meant it was an opportunity for everyone to interact. It’s important to be able to share experiences in a casual setting. I heard that the participants enjoyed it, and they were impressed. It was a beautiful sunny day and hot, but enjoyment outweighed the hotness.” Mentioning about the cultural experiences, he added “Experiences like this become lifelong memories. It’s an important, memorable element that’s different from just saying ‘the food was delicious.’ It will also have a positive impact on the next generation.”
The lecturer explains how to make a spinning top with Origami.
Every participant was eager to make their own chopsticks.
We asked if there were any areas of improvement for Sendai to become a more attractive conference destination. Prof. Mori recalled: “When the Tozai Subway Line first opened in 2015 it was a bit uncomfortable to ride, but it has since improved.” He continued praising even more positive points of Sendai. “As ‘City of Trees’, I can feel the elegance of nature. Sendai is both peaceful and lively at the same time. Souvenirs and shopping are also attractive and one of the reasons to come to Sendai.”
“City of Trees” Sendai offers both rich nature and urban greenery along with the conveniences of a large, modern city.
Overcoming the pandemic, ICT/ACT2025 was held successfully. It was both meaningful and impactful to hold this conference in Sendai where many professionals gathered from around the world.
Thank you, professors Mori and Miyazaki, for your hard work in bringing and hosting ICT/ACT2025 participants in Sendai, Japan.
We at the Sendai Convention Bureau look forward to welcoming future conferences, conventions and business meetings while continuing to refine our services to make each event as impactful and memorable as this one.
Prof. Mori with the signboard of the conference.
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